All articles tagged with #cultural tradition
The Downtowners won the Mummers Fancy Brigade Finale in Philadelphia for the first time since 2002, with their jungle-themed performance, as thousands celebrated New Year's Day with colorful costumes, choreography, and cultural themes, highlighting the city's rich tradition and community spirit.
The Philadelphia Mummers Parade celebrated its 125th year with colorful costumes and performances despite winter weather causing delays and injuries, with the String Band competition postponed but the main parade proceeding as scheduled.
People enjoy spicy food because of the body's response to capsaicin, which activates pain receptors but also leads to a sense of control and reward through desensitization and endorphin release, with cultural and psychological factors enhancing the experience.
Senegal's president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye, set to be sworn in with two first ladies, Marie and Absa, has sparked a national conversation about polygamy, a traditional and religious practice in the predominantly Muslim country. While some praise the move as a reflection of Senegalese reality, others, including women's rights advocates and the UN Human Rights Committee, view it as discriminatory against women. The unprecedented situation has prompted discussions about the cultural and legal implications of polygamy in Senegal, as well as its portrayal in literature and media.
In the working-class suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, bate-bolas, or ball-slammers, clad in mesmerizing costumes and masks, reign over the pre-Lenten revelry with their playful antics and tradition dating back to medieval Celtic rituals. These groups spend months hand-making extravagant themed outfits, with some now including women, and are united in their extravagance despite varying forms. Despite being recognized as part of the city's cultural heritage, they remain largely unknown to wealthier residents and are often dismissed as hooligans, leading to prejudice and negative media portrayal.
South Korea has passed a law banning the consumption and sale of dog meat, marking a historic win for animal welfare groups. The centuries-old practice of eating dog meat has been fading in South Korea, and the ban reflects the country's shift towards valuing animal welfare. The legislation, which takes effect in three years, carries penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of 30 million won ($22,800) for violations. South Korea joins other Asian countries and territories, including India, Singapore, and Taiwan, in banning the dog meat trade.
South Korea plans to ban the consumption of dog meat in an effort to address growing concerns over animal rights and end the controversy surrounding the ancient practice. The ban, which will include a three-year grace period and financial support for businesses to transition out of the trade, is expected to receive bipartisan support and pass through parliament. While eating dog meat has been a long-standing tradition in South Korea, it has faced increasing opposition both domestically and internationally. Animal rights groups have welcomed the proposed ban, calling it a "dream come true" for those who have campaigned against the cruelty of the practice.
Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky faced social media backlash after sharing a photo of their twin sons' birthday celebration, which included a playful cake-smashing prank. While some fans defended the couple, others criticized the prank as "violent" and "wasteful." Some questioned if it was a cultural tradition, as Pataky hails from Spain, and Mexican American actress Salma Hayek explained that "La mordida" is a staple in Mexican culture, where a person's face is smashed into a cake for their birthday.